England’s old-boys get spanked by their German peers; Messi inspires Argentina; Brazil begin their Olympics campaign with a win

England legends 1 - German legends 5 (Derek Dooley Cup, August 7, 2008) In the inaugural Derek Dooley Cup between English and German legends, celebrating the life of Sheffield legend Derek Dooley, Fredi Bobic put the visitors in the lead with a header that Chris Woods could not get down quick enough to to keep out. Typically, the Germans ran away with the match taking a 3-0 with a stunner from Mario Bassler and a goal from Fredi Bobic. Lee Sharp restored some English pride scoring a penalty past Richard Golz. The Germans pressed on, Fredi Bobic knocking in their fifth after he broke the offside trap and finished with a cheeky backheal. Steffen Freund collected the trophy for the victorious Germans.

Independiente Santa Fe 1 - Real Madrid 2 (Friendly, August 7, 2008) Sante Fe took the lead through Luis Seijas just before the break, following the earlier dismissal of Michel Salgado in the 20th minute. Down to 10-men, it was new signing Rafael van der Vaart who turned the match in the second half, netting the equaliser with a powerful shot past goalkeeper Julio, before provided the assist for Pepe to score the winning goal just three minutes later.

Tachira 4 - Deportivo La Coruna 2 (Friendly, August 7, 2008) Escobar put the Venezuelans 2-up, before Alvarez’s header and Braco’s penalty brought Depor level in the second half. The hosts sealed the win with late goals from Perez and Valle.

Frosinone 1 - Napoli 2 (Friendly, August 7, 2008)

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Ivory Coast 1 - Argentina 2 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) After all the debate in recent days, Lionel Messi let his feet do the talking by scoring the opener against the Ivory Coast with a clinical finish. But the Ivorians hit back after the break, Sekou Cisse’s towering back post header bringing the sides level. The South Americans stole the victory in the 86th minute, a quick free-kick released Messi down the left, and his fizzed cross was turned home by Lautaro Acosta.

Brazil 1- Belgium 0 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) Early in the second-half Alexandre Pato missed a great chance after good work by Ronaldinho. Hernanes got the only goal with ten minutes to go. Belgium had Kompany and Fellaini sent-off late on.

China 1 - New Zealand 1 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) New Zealand lost Steven Old in the first-half for two bookable offenses, but it didn’t stop the Kiwi’s halting China’s party as Jeremy Brockie scored a fine goal after breaking the offside trap. But the host nation salvaged a late draw thanks to Dong’s brilliant header in 88th minute.

Honduras 0 - Italy 3 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) Giovinco got the first with a great strike from distance. Penalties from Rossi and Aquafresca confirmed the win. Pavon missed a pen for Honduras with eight minutes to go.

Australia 1 - Serbia 1 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) Ruben Zadkovich gave Australia the lead in the 69th minute, squeezing the ball in from a tight angle at the far post. Serbia’s goal came after Aleksandar Zivkovic floated a corner to the near post and Slobodan Rajkovic met it with a firm header that flew past goalkeeper Federici.

South Korea 1 - Cameroon 1 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) Park’s free-kick evaded both the South Korean forwards and the Cameroon defenders for the opening goal. But the Cameroonians equalised when Mandjeck converted a right wing cross. The Africans had Baning sent off in the final minute.

Japan 0 - USA 1 (Olympics, August 7, 2008) Stuart Holden struck a loose ball from the top of the penalty area that Japanese goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa was unable to stop, with the ball trickling over the line in the 47th minute.

Holland 0 - Nigeria 0 (Olympics, August 7, 2008)

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Iran 3 - Palestine 0 (WAFF Championship, August 7, 2008) Iran began their defence of the West Asian Football Federation Championship title with a win. The tournament also features Jordan, Syria, Oman and Qatar.

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Universidad Catolica 4 - River Plate 0 (Agg. 4-2) (Copa Subamericana, August 7, 2008) River Plate were dumped out of South America’s version of the UEFA Cup, succumbing to a humiliating defeat having lead 2-0 from the first leg. Julio Gutierrez was the hero for the Chileans by bagging a hat-trick.

America de Cali 4 - Maracaibo 2 (Agg. 4-2) (Copa Subamericana, August 7, 2008)

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Palmeiras 3 - Vitoria 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 7, 2008)

Cruzeiro 2 - Internacional 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 7, 2008) A header from midfielder Gerson Magrao and a Sorondo own goal secured all three points, helped Cruzeiro within two points of leaders Gremio.

Figueirense 1 - Botafogo 2 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 7, 2008) Despite Carlos Alberto’s red card in the 25th minute, a lovely volley from Tulio (’17) and a goal from Thiaguinho (’53) secured the win for Botafogo. Coelho scored for the hosts.